Metro Manila, Philippines – An alleged “co-perpetrator” in the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign does not automatically mean arrest warrants will be issued, said lawyer assisting victims in the case.
ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti said the designation used by prosecutors refers to individuals allegedly involved in carrying out a “common plan” behind the killings but does not equate to being formally accused or subject to immediate arrest.
“There is no case pending against them… until we have that warrant and eventually opening of a case, these people will be considered as co-perpetrator and not co-accused,” Conti said in an interview on The Newsmaker.
ICC prosecutors named eight incumbent and former officials — including Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go — as alleged co-perpetrators with detained former president Rodrigo Duterte in crimes against humanity for muder linked to the anti-drug campaign.
Conti said the ICC term reflects prosecutor theory that a number of people may have collaborated, assisted, or played indispensable roles in implementing what was described as a broader plan.
“For the prosecutor… these persons collaborated, assisted, and were indispensable in the execution of the ‘common plan,’” she said.
Conti said the case is focused on Duterte, who faces allegations as the person deemed “most responsible” for crimes against humanity.
No automatic arrest
The lawyer said the public should not assume arrest warrants will immediately follow the naming of alleged co-perpetrators.
Conti said prosecutors have not confirmed whether arrest warrants have been sought or granted against the eight personalities listed in the court filing.
Despite the legal distinction, some victims’ families continue to push for broader accountability beyond Duterte. Conti said many believe additional officials should also face investigation either at the ICC or through domestic courts.
“Para sa amin nga, minimum, at least si Bato dela Rosa, madala din ng ICC,” she said.
[Translation: “For us, at the very least, Bato Dela Rosa should also be brought before the ICC.”]
She added that the absence of public apologies from officials accused of involvement has deepened victims’ calls for justice.
“Hanggang ngayon, ni isa sa kanila ay hindi nagsosorry… lalo lang sumidhi yung pagnanais nilang maghanap ng hustisya,” Conti said.
[Translation: “Up to now, none of them has apologized… it only strengthens the victims’ desire to seek justice.”]
Defense lawyers for Duterte have rejected allegations against the supposed co-perpetrators as politically motivated, a claim Conti disputed, saying the disclosure of names was part of a court-approved process intended to clarify the prosecution’s arguments.
